Today, I dashed into 711 to snatch up the daily newspaper - and for some inexplicable reason - I got turned around.
Shortly after I was comfortably ensconced in a comfy seat on a streetcar - and a few column inches into an amusing news bite on Gavin Newsom and his wager with the Mayor of Philadelphia - I was forced to switch gears.
Because I wasn’t paying attention, I ended up on the wrong train heading towards Pier 39, in the opposite direction of my original destination (the Castro District).
Ooops!
Instead of panicking, though, I reflected on the mishap for a moment or two.
Then, I said to myself - as Bette Midler is often want to do - in times of crisis.
“Self, take the day off.”
So, I did!
Soon, I was mingling with a posse of out-of-towers on the boardwalk, taking in all the scintillating sights and sounds picturesque San Francisco has to offer.
An accidental tourist?
You bet!
And what - pray tell - was the biggest draw at the Pier?
Supping on fresh catch of the day - at one of the trendy seafood restaurants hugging the rugged coast - was a leisure activity at the top of the list (according to a few out-of-towners I crossed paths with).
A main entree, washed down with a thirst-quenching beer or carafe of chilled wine, may run ‘ya about twenty five bucks a head (not including tax) at a minimum.
But, worth every deteriorating penny!
Of course, for those on a budget, In-N-Out Burger is still capable of satiating a hungry gut for a fraction of the cost when a visitor is "on the go".
Next up on the “to do” list?
A brisk cruise in the historic harbor - off Alcatraz - of course!
In spite of the fact a handful of the lightweight boats were a bit dilapidated - and in dire need of a fresh coat of paint - a short stint on the waterfront will make a dent in anyone's well-worn alligator-skin wallet to the tune of about $18.00 (for starters).
If you hanker to stay in shape while on holiday in the city by the Bay, consider renting a bike and burning off a few calories, as you take in the sweeping vistas at a snail’s pace.
An outgoing tour guide at - “Blazing Saddles” - enlightened me about the joys of day-tripping on two wheels instead of a boring four.
“There are bike trails along the coast - from the wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge - and beyond to Sausalito. At the other end, if you’re tired, just hop on the ferry and head back to the mainland that route. No problem.”
$8.00 an hour for pedal power!
Contact:
Telephone
415.202.8888
Web Site
www.blazingsaddles.com
For the truly lazy - and those who pine for a breeze to whiz through their hair on intense muggy days - a motorized bike is also available.
In addition to the above delights - there are souvenir shops, a coin museum, and open-air bus tours - to round out the day’s activities.
When you head back to the Hotel district, try to shoot for a ride on public transport provided courtesy of the city.
Eager tourists crave a thrill ride - that twists and turns - from the wharf to the downtown core along Powell on a cable car.
Unfortunately, the conductor’s helper packs ‘em in so tight, it’s difficult to catch the romantic images of turn-of-the-century houses - with their ubiquitous eye-catching gingerbread trim and inviting bay windows - lining the quaint little streets without craning a neck (and possibly suffering injury).
On the other side of the steep hill, past Nob Hill, I jumped off the trolley in a popular section of town just off Union Square.
Nike's "Marathon for Women" was camped there, by the way, causing a little more street traffic than usual!
I slipped into the chic St. Francis Hotel to take a gander at some of the historical memorabilia showcased in the staid front lobby crafted in teak-panelled walls, elegant designer fixtures, and plush carpet underfoot.
A tony crowd lounged around sipping on mint Julips, fizzy sodas, and what-have-you.
Pricey!
Down the hectic busy street, for a mere 3 bucks - I purchased a glass of chilled white Chablis - and proceeded to plunk myself down alfresco at a cafe (and people-watched to my heart’s content).
Life in the romantic slow lane.
Loved it!
